Death in the Afternoon is a hauntingly strong cocktail with an eerie green hue and black licorice flavor. Rather than being fruity, candy-themed, or ornately garnished (as many Halloween drinks are), this drink captures its spectral appearance and distinct flavor with just two ingredients: absinthe and Champagne. Photograph by Kristen Boehm It was fathered by Ernest Hemingway, shares a name with one of his novels, and first appeared in 1935’s “So Red the…
For Shelly Whan and Kelly Fellers, dance has never been just about pirouettes, pointe shoes, or polished performances. It’s been about community, friendship, and building a second home for generations of Skagit Valley families. Photograph courtesy of Skagit Valley Academy of Dance This year, the lifelong friends and co-owners of Skagit Valley Academy of Dance (SVAD) are celebrating 42 years of ownership. The two have spent their…
There’s a new destination for barbecue lovers in Lynden, and the experience goes well beyond the smoker. Rustic Bar & Grill opened for business on May 13 at the Cobblestone Hotel & Suites, adding an elegance to Whatcom County’s dining scene. The restaurant serves up fresh and refined dishes with an established feel that’s equally suited for a casual lunch…
Some houses have very strong identities. This bright blue home is one of those houses, appearing like a bright tropical fish with rooflines reminiscent of gills. Those rooflines are responsible for a very calm, 100% daylit interior. Legend Homes (formerly TC Legend Homes) has been building solar-powered homes in the Pacific Northwest for over 20 years, and…
Fairhaven Mill recently welcomed Philip Fraley as the new general manager. The Mill has been an active, organic mill since 1974, serving businesses throughout the Pacific Northwest. Fraley has an extensive background in product management with 23 years of experience at…
As autumn settles over the waterfront, the Blaine OysterFest returns to celebrate the city’s aquaculture roots on Oct. 10. “It’s a very hometown fair kind of vibe with the seafood and harbor feeling to it. It’s a lot of fun,” says Olea Mills, the Event Coordinator at Blaine-Birch Bay Parks and Recreation. Downtown…
ReLaced, located in downtown Bellingham, prioritizes selling new, used, authentic, and well-made shoes to sneakerheads at great prices. The Shop This family-run streetwear shoe store, founded and owned by Lidija and Jesse Reading, first opened in March 2024 on Bay Street. In May, the business moved to a place on Holly Street. Helped by their central location and friendly demeanor, more and more people have been discovering ReLaced, and it’s fast becoming a beloved staple of downtown Bellingham. The Atmosphere…
Since Time Immemorial is a recurring series featuring community members whose families have been here since time immemorial. The ancestral knowledge carried by Lhaq’temish (Lummi), Nooksack, and other Coast Salish peoples is knowledge about how to live in our shared…
For more than 30 years, the Whatcom Artist Studio Tour has been a fall cultural highlight in which artists around Whatcom County open their studios to the public. Taking place this year on October 3–4 and 10–11, the Tour offers a glimpse behind the studio doors, deeper conversations, and opportunities to purchase directly from the artist. Learn more and hear from some of…
September is a time of natural bounty and abundance here in the Pacific Northwest. From ripe tomatoes at farmers’ markets to fresh seafood to the first harvest of apples,…
In early June, Lydia Place hosted their 14th annual Handbags for Housing event, complete with a lively fashion show emceed by Shannon Day, the “bag whisperer.” Fishermen’s Pavilion was decked to the nines with bright, colorful floral decorations and balloons reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland. Attendees wore sparkles, bold colors, floral…
Expanding community spaces is part of what Shifting Gears does best, so it’s no surprise their Sippin’ on Cider Festival is rolling into its sixth year with plans of being bigger and better than ever. Shifting Gears is a Bellingham-based nonprofit that empowers women of all walks of life to dive into outdoor recreation. “Cost, intimidation, lack of gear, lack of experience, there’re all kinds of barriers that keep women from participating…
